2010 National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp

The 2010 National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp applications are closing Friday 4 December for young people interested in developing their skills in dairy cattle breeding.

Young dairy enthusiasts need to submit their application soon for the 2010 National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp being held from 4-8 January 2010 at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale, Melbourne.

Camp participants, aged 16-20 will develop confidence in handling dairy heifers, learn judging, showing and clipping skills, discuss breeding and new technology. The Camp also offers an opportunity to meet other people with similar interests in the dairy industry.

Eliza Attenborough attended last year’s camp and says the experience the camp provided was invaluable. “I was able to judge a class of heifers in front of a large group of people which prior to Youth Campus I had never done before,” said Eliza.

“The developed some new skills at Youth Camp and discovered there are many jobs within the dairy industry, not just farming. I’m definitely going again in 2010 to catch up with friends from this year and broaden my knowledge and skills,” said Eliza.

Chairman of the Youth Camp committee, Tim Weller says "The Camp is a fantastic opportunity for young people who want to investigate opportunities in the dairy industry and meet new people with similar interests.”

“The dairy industry is a source of rewarding careers and the Camp is an innovative program that encourages young people to investigate opportunities within the dairy industry,” he said.

The Youth Camp began in 1992 and 45 participants from around Australia and New Zealand will attend in 2010. According to Tracey Marsden, NCDEA Camp coordinator, "The National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp has been both a starting point and a stepping stone for many young people in the dairy industry. Past participants often credit the Camp with playing a major role in their career choices. We look forward to continuing to foster this development.”

Collaboration with dairy industry organisations is integral to the running of the Camp. Outstanding camp participants are recognised with awards from the Camp’s supporters.

The grand finale for the week will be the Exhibition Day on Friday 8 January, 2010. The community is welcome to attend this event.

Interested people from all backgrounds between the ages of 16 and 20 years are asked to contact NCDEA on 1300 062 332 for an application form. The cost is $225 per person for the five-day program. Deadline for applications is Friday 4 December, 2009.

For more information on the National All Breeds Dairy Youth Camp, contact Tracey Marsden on 1300 062 332 or e-mail tmarsden@ncdea.edu.au

For an application form contact the NCDEA on 1300 0 NCDEA (1300 062 332) or visit http://www.ncdea.edu.au/farming/all_breeds.cfm